Can-filling apparatus.



W. J. PHELPS. CAN FILLING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 13, 1910. Patented July 16, 1912.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l.

W A i I Y H A \w wi m m u N o J F. MW m fi- 7% M/ m w T a m Gi l" W. J.PHELPS.

CAN FILLING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION TILED AUG.13,1910' 1 ,O32,768. Patented July 16, 1912.

3 SHEETSSHEET 2 I WZLZZkrdP/lclpd',

A INVENTOR WITNES ATTORN EY W. J. PHELPS.

CAN FILLING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.13,1910.

Patented July 16, 1912.

3 SHEETSSHEET 3.

WITNESSES ATTORNEY PATENT oFFioE.

WALTER J. PHELPS, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-HALF T0 FRANKGEBBIE, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK. I

CAN-FILLING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed August is. 1910. Serial No. 577,120.

To all whom it may concern! Be it known that I, WVALTER J. PHELPS, acitizen of the United States, residing in Baltimore and State ofMaryland, have invented a new and useful Can Filling Appae ratus, ofwhich the following is a specification. v

This invention has reference to improvements in can filling apparatus,and is designed to provide a means for filling cans with liquids througha small opening in one end of the can, these openings being subsequentlysealed. The small opening referred to is in t-heinature of aperforation, usually in the center of the head of the can, whichperforation is to be distinguished from the large filling openingsusually employed, which openings are afterward closed by a suitable capsoldered in place.

In the present invention a second perforation is employed near theperiphery of the head of the can in which the first named perforation isformed, and by means of ap-' paratus forming the subject matter of thepresent invention the liquidfis caused to flow into the can through thecentral perforation by the force of gravity augmented by atmosphericpressure caused by Withdraw-- ing the air from within the can throughthe eccentric perforation which is provided for this purpose, the airbeing withdrawn by a suction apparatus producing sub atmosphericpressure within the can.

The inlet" perforation, which for convenience may be called the centralperforation, although. it is .not necessary that thisperforat'ioinshould be exactly in the center of the can head, ispurposely of circumscribed area, and the mouth of the conduit throughwhich the liquid is directed to the central perforation of the can headis made of-sutficiently larger area so that the end of. the conduitniayhe brought into air tight relation to the head of the can in surroundingrelation to the filling perforation.- Where gravity alone isutilized forcausing the flow of liquid into the can, there remains, at thecompletion of the filling operation, a globule of the liquid on thesurface .of the can about the filling perforation, which liquid Wlll notgravitate through the-perforation, and when the conduit is removed suchllquld spreads outv on the head of the can about This also is the casewhere the attempt is made to fill the can through a small perforation bygravity aided by "super-atmospheric pressure, the displaced air in thecan escap ng. through the second perforation.

The formation of a globule of the fluid in :t 'oduoed into the can atthe filling perforation is very objectionable because of the necessityof removing this globule of liquid before the perforation may be sealed,and also because of the waste material.

By the present invention the cans are not only expeditiously filled butwhen the filling is completed there is produced a condition wherebythere is caused an inrush of air at the filling perforation which willdraw into the can the final globule of material which otherwise wouldremain on the surface of the can and spread about the fillingperforation. Such perforation is therefore left in a sufficiently cleancondition to permit of sealing by the usual drop of solder, the

other perforation being also sealed at the same time.

The invention will be best understood tailed description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of thisspecification, with the understanding, however, that while the structureillustrated is well adapted, to the purposes of the invention, suchstructure is susceptible of various modifications which retain thesalient features of the invention.

In the,drawings:Figure l is an elevation of one side of the machine.Fig. 2 is an elevation of one end of the machine at right angles to theshowing of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the machinetaken in a plane substantially median to the showing of Fig. 2, and,also, showing some parts broken away.- Fig. 4 is a section through oneof the measuring cups and the means carried thereby for causing theintroduction of the filling liquid into a can, the latter being shown insection and in operative relation to the other structure. Fig. 5 .is aview similar to Fig. 4, but showing a different phase of the operationof the structure. Fig. 6 is'a't'op plan new of the machine. Fig. 7 is aplan view of the can carrier with a tray of cans therein, adjacent partsbeing shown; in cross section. vFig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the canengaging Patented July 1 6, 1912;

means at the lower end of each measuring cup. Fig. 9 is a crosssectionthrough the framework immediately above a guiding braceconnecting the legs of the machine.

Referring to the drawings there is shown a frame comprising legs 1 whichmay be,

upper ends of the legs 1, as indicated at 5.-

In the particular structure of the drawings, the trough 3 is arectangular structure of comparatively shallow depth with surroundingside walls 6," and-this trough extends beyond one pair of legs 1, and isthere formed with a depending portion 7 constituting a reservoir for theliquid to be ultimately filled into cans, this reservoir receiving theliquid from a supply pipe 8 having in it avalve 9, whereby the inflow ofliquid to the reservoir 7 may be controlled at will;

The machine is designed especially for the filling of evaporated milk ofcommerce into cans, and inthe following description the liquid will bedesignated as milk, with the understanding, however, that other liquidsmay be used, whether of the same or thicker or thinner consistency thanthe evaporated milk employed.

The floor of the trough 6 is formed with numerous passages 10therethrough, these passages being customarily circular and.

provided with marginal flanges 11. The

passages 10 are designed to receive the ends of elongated cups 12, eachof a capacity to hold a suflicient quantity of milk to fill a can-ofpredetermined size to the desired extent, the cans being usually filledto with in one-eighth inch or. three-sixteenths inch ofj-the inner wallof the top or head of the can. The flange 11 formed about each passage10 in the bottom of the trough 3 forms an upstandingwall around theupper edge of the corresponding cup 12, which latter is made to fittightly in the opening 10, so that no leakage'may occur between the cupand the'flange, and no lodgment may be provided for any materialdirected into the to each other.

trough 3. The lower ends of the cups 12 are contracted, as indicated at13, and at any convenient point the several cups may pass throughsuitable perforations in a plate 14 suspended by the cups and serving toposition their lower ends with relation Each cup is, continued beyondthe contracted end 13- in the form of a neck 15 substantiallycylindrical in shape with a terminal outstanding flange 16: at the lowerend, and with anaxial nipple 1 7 project-ing beyond the plane of thelower'end'oftheneck 15. The neck 15 has an internal bore which issubstantially cylindrical for aportion of its length below thecontracted end 13, and then this bore is gradually contracted into avalve seat 18 merging intothe bore of the nipple 17.

Where the neck 15 joins the contracted end 13 of the cup 12, thereisformed a shoulder 19, and between this shoulder and a the flange 16 theouter wall of the neck is cylindrical. Surrounding the neck 15 is acollar 20 of less length than the neck, and this collar is provided atone end with a radially disposed flange or plate 21 of an extent whichmay be somewhat less than. the diameter of the cans to be employed,these cans being shown at 22. The collar 20 is of less length than thecylindrical portion of the neck 15, andbetween the shoulder 19 and thecorresponding end 'of the collar 20, the neck 15 is surroundedby aspring 23 having'a normal tendency to maintain the collar 20 against theflange 16, but yielding to a superior force tending to move the collaror'sleeve 20 toward the shoulder 19 and away from the'flange '16. Formedon the face of the flange or plate 21 remote from the collar 20'is anaxially directed flange 24 of greater diameter than the radial extent ofthe flange 16, so that there is an annular space left between the innerwall of the flange 24 and the periphery of the flange 16, and throughthe .plate 21 "coincident with this space is a circular series ofperforations 25. p

Applied to the nipple 17 is a cylindrical gasket 26, preferably of softvulcanized rubber, and appliedto the face of the plate 21 from whichprojects the flange-24, and exterior to and concentric with said flange,

annular channel 28 formedv therein, the

channel 28 being concentric to the longitudinal axis of the neck 15 andcup 12. The gasket 27 may be secured to the'plate 21 in any suitablemanner, screws 29 being..indicated in the particular structure shown inthe drawings, but it will be understood of course, that any othersuitablemeans for the purpose may be employed.

The plate 21 is formed with a nipple .30 in position to have its borewhich extends through the plate 21 opening through apassage 32 in thegasket 27, so that the nipple 30 is in constant communication with thechannel '28. To the nipple 30-there is applied a-flexible tube 33 whichmay be of rubber composition. It will he observed that the under edge ofthe gasket 26 stops short'of the under edge of the gasket 27 so that aplane surface engaged by the gasket 27 will not at the same time beengagedfby the gasket 26, and the gasket 27 which is preferably made ofsoft vulcanized rubber,

must yield or be compressed before the 1 o bolt 43 threaded on ,oneendfor gasket 26 can be brought into engagement with the same planesurface.

Eachv can 22 has one head 34 provided with a perforation at, orsubstantially at the center of the head, and another-perfo-' ration 36near the periphery of the head, these two perforations being so locatedthat when the can engaging member made up of the two gaskets 26 and 27and the parts carrying thensame are brought into engage.

ment with the head 34, the gasket 26 will surround the perforation 35and the channel 28 will be brought against the head 34 in communicatingrelation with the perforation 36. The perforations 35 and 36' may bequitesmall and may be formed at the same time with the head 34, theseperforations being caused by simply punching through the metal of thehead at the appropriate points without removing any of the metal of thehead.

gConfined within the space defined by the legs 1 is a carrier 37 havingmarginal walls 38 around three sides, andextending for a a shortdistance-on the fourth side, while this carrier is provided with a cutaway portion 39 adapted to receive and guide a tray 40 having marginalwalls 41, the tray being of a size to receive a number ofjcans 22 cor-,responding to the number of cups 12, so

thatwhen the tray 40 is in position on the carrier '37, the latter maybe moved until all the cans 22 are brought into engagement with thegaskets 26 and 27, the parts'being related to permit this action.

The angle form ,Of the legs 1' admits of a guiding function of, theselegs for the carrier 37 ,which may be fitted at the cornerssufliciently-close to move smoothly up and down betweenthe legs 1without-any material side 'motion( The carrier 37 has secured thereto-onopposite sides brackets 42,

of an eye' 'eachperforated for the passage the reception of a wing nut44, and at the eye end se-' cured to one end of a spring 45, the otherend of which'js secured to vthe angle bar 2 connecting a respective pairof legs 1. 'The s rings are suficiently strong to upholdt 'e carrier 37with a load of cans 22 there-.

on when'filled with milk,-with the head of each can so firmly seatedagainst-the gaskets 26 and 27 that these gaskets are in air tightrelation to the outer surface of the head of the can Secured to theunder side of the carrier are arms 46'converging: to a bar 47 capable oflongitudinal movement inla guide-- .48 formed by oppositely directedconifer g braces 49, and connecting straps 50.,for t ese braces,thearrangement being such that-the eye formed by the adjacent portions ofthese parts is of square contour and the bar 47 is 1 of like contour.The braces 49 at their terminal ends are secured, to respective legs 1the action of the springs 45.

in a manner to stiffen the legs, so that any I tendency of these legs toseparate or draw together is obviated.

Made fast to the support for the legs 1, this support usually being thefloor of the room in which the machine is located, are brackets 51,adjacent two of the legs 1, which, legs, because of the position of theoperator with relation to the machine, may bev termed the rear legs.Pivoted to each bracket 51 is a-bar 52,, and these bars extend beyondthe front legs of the machine and are there connected by a strip 53designed toreceive the foot of the operator, so that the two bars 52 andstrip 53 constitute a treadle, a brace rod 54 connecting the bars 52 atan intermediate point .to stiffen the structure. Each bar 52 isconnected by a link 55 to an eye 56 fast on the under side of thecarrier 37 at an appropriate point. tendencyofthe springs '45 to liftthe carrier 37 also causes an up-l'ifting of the treadle, so that thefoot member 53 is normally in the elevated position, When it is desiredto lower the carrier 37, the operator presses upon the foot member 53 ofthe treae vdle, and so lowers the carrier against the The normaltendency of the springs 45, the legs 1 and eye 48 serving to guide'the"capri e; and pre vent it deviating from the'pro er path. It is desirablein the operation 0 the machine that the treadle with the partscontrolled thereby should be locked in the depressed position, and forthis purpose there is =mounted on one of the legs 1 a pawl 57,con-

provided with a lug 59 in the path of which we pin 60 on the leg 1carrying the pawl,

so that the movement of the pawl-under the action of the spring 58 islimited by the engagement of the lug 59 with the pin 60. Under normalconditions with the treadle in the raised osition, the free end of thepawl.57 is in t e path'of one of the bars 52, butthe pawl will yield tothe downward movement of the bar 52 until the pawl has been passed, andthen the spring 58 will cause the pawl to sna over the bar 52, so thatwhen pressure 0 the foot member 53 of the treadle is released, thebar'52 will be engaged bythepawl 57, and be thereby held in the loweredposition against the action of strained in one. direction by a spring 58and the springs.45.' When itis desired to ele- 'vate the carrier 37, theoperator may with the foot move the pawl 57 out of the path of the bar52 and by releasing the pressure of the footonthe treadle allow thetreadle and the parts controlled thereby to rise under East to the legs1 by brackets 61 or other tubes 33 connected to these pipes. The pipe62'on' one side of the machine is connected to the pipe 6 2 on the otherside ofthe ma chine by a branch pipe 63, and the first named pipe 62 maybe continued to an air 'pump or other suitable means for exhausting airfrom these pipes. In theafirst named pipe .62 on the side of the branchpipe 63 toward .the exhausting means, there is included a valve 64to thestem of which is made fast an arm 65 connected by a link 66 to thetreadle member 53, the arrangement being such that when-the treadle isin the uppermost position the'valve 64: is open,

so that the pipes 62 are in communication with the-exhausting means but'when the treadle is depressed the valve 64is closed.

Erected on the side walls of the trough 3 are standards 67 to each ofwhich there is ,pivoted an arm 68, connected by a strap 69 to anappropriate part of the carrier 37, this strap being fixedly connectedto the carrier 37 and pivotally connected to'the arm 68. The ends of thearms 68 remote from the standards 67 are pivoted to opposite sides.

sired extent from the reservoir 7 and when the carrier is lowered, theplunger 70 par-,

ticipates in this movement and enters correspondingly into the reservoir7, displacing the milk therein to a commensurate extent. This causes arising'of the level of the milk within the reservoir 7 until it is abovethe floor of the trough 3, and therefore flows over the floor or bottomof the trough, the

parts being so proportioned that the milk willrise above'the top of thecups 12 and flow into them until they are all filled. As

soon as the carrier 37 rises, the plunger rises with it, .andthat partof the milk not already lodged in the cups 12 will flow back into thereservoir 7, the cups remaining brimful.

Extending formed at the lower end into a valve 74, shown in theparticular disclosure of the drawings as a globular. valve, and thisvalve is adapted to the seat18. Each rod 73 is continued above the topof the trough 3 and terminates in'a ball 7 5 designed to impart weightto the valve stem or rod 73 and valve 74, and this ball 75 may,therefore,- be replaced any other shapedstructure acting V as a weight.

Extending along the'top of the trough 3 is a bar 76 having one endformed with an angular extension 77 riveted or otherwise made fast totheend wall of the trough 3,

through each cup is a rod 73 while at the other end the bar 76 is madefast to' a cross bar 78 in any appropriate manner, this bar beingsupported at its ends on the sidewalls of the trough 3. The bar 76 isformed on its upper edge with pairs of ears 79, each carrying one endofa lever 80 through which corresponding valve rods 73 extend, eachlever 80 controlling two valve rods 73 in the particular disclosure ofthe drawings, and since the lever, because of its pivotal support, movesthrough an arc," the two valve vrods controlled by a lever are connectedby a cross piece 81, so as to move together. The-levers 80 are arrangedin two series projecting oppositely from the center line of the trough,and the free ends of each series of levers are engaged by a rod 82having ends 83 at an angle to the central portion of the rod, these ends83 passing through eyes in guiding brackets 84: on ap propriate portionsof the flanges 4 and continued to the carrier 37, being made fast toappropriate portions of the side walls of the carrier, so that the rods82\will participate in the up and down movements of the carrier 37.

Let .it be assumed that an appropriate supply of milk is lodged withinthe reservoir 7, and that this supply is replenished from time to timeby an appropriate operation of the valve 9, admitting suitablequantities of milk to the-reservoir 7 froma larger source of supply, notshown in the drawing, the valve 9 being readily accessible to anoperator in position to control the treadle by the treadle member 53.Let it also be assumed that an air exhausting means is connected to thepipes 62 and is in "operation. If the treadle be in the lowermost position, being there locked by the pawl 57, V

the carrier 37 is also in the lowered position and the rods 82 havelikewise been lowered and the weight of the several valves 74 withtheir'stems 73 and weighted ends 75 has caused the closing of all thevalves '74 in the respective seats 18. Simultaneously the lowering ofthe plunger 70 has caused the'filling of all the cups 12 in the manneralready described, the contents of these cups being maintained thereinby the, valves 74 I now in the closed. position. Furthermore the springs23 have caused all the collars 18 and plates21 to assume the lowermostposition with the lower edge of the gaskets 27 below the lower edges'ofthe gaskets 26. A I

tray 40 full of cans 22 isplaced on the carrier 37, being positioned bythe cutaway portion 39. 0f the carrier. The operator now releases thetreadle and permits the cartops of the'cans engage the gaskets 27, and

rier; to move'upwardlyuntil ultimately the the continued'upward movementof the carrier causes a compression of these gaskets as well as of thespring 23 until ultimately the '1 gaskets" 28 are-(brought intoengagement cient for the degree of sub-atmospheric pres sure employed.The. rising of the carrier 37 causes the elevation of theplunger 70 andthe removal of thesurplus milk from .the trough 3 and also the openingof the valves 74 by the engagement of the rods 83 with the severallevers 80, thus lifting the valves .74, from the seats 18. The rising ofthe treadlealso causes the opening of the valve 64 and this results inthe production of sub-atmospheric pressure in the pipes 62, thusexhausting the, air from the tubes 33 and the channels 28'of the gaskets27.. Air pressure on the surface of themilk in the cups 12 causes aflowof the milk through the nipples 16 into the interior of the gas 'kets 26and so through the perforations 35 surrounded by these gaskets into theinterior of the cans, the air within the cans ex hausting through theperforations 36 into the channels 28 and through the tubes 33 to thepipes, 62, and from the latter to the air exhausting means. Thisoperation continues until the milk within the cups 12 has passed intothe respective cans, the cups be ing so proportioned that when allofzthe contents have passed into the cans the latter will be filled tothe desired level. The completion of the filling of the cans is madeevident to the operator by the noise produced by thepassage of air intothe cans through the lower ends of the cups and the perforations.3..;and, the operator may then depress the "treadle-and cause the cansto move 'away'ifro'm the can engaging devices at the lower ends of thecups. As the car- 'rier 37 drops, the gaskets 27 follow-the cans for adistance determined by the length of the necks 15, each gasket 27 beingarrested by engagement of its plate 21 with the respective flange 16 ofthe lower end of the neck15. The gasket 27, however, is incapable ofsuch following up movement,-

and. as soon as the movement of the can 22 away from the gasket isgreater than the ex tension of, the gasket from compressed position toits normal position, the can leaves the gasket 26 a short period of timebefore the can is drawn s ay from the gasket 27. Because of thesub-atmospher c pressureiwithin the can .at this time, there 1s 11 quickinrush of air through the perform tions 25 between the gasket 26 and thehead ofthe can, the parts-being so timed in op eration that the'valve74'hasclosed beforethe ean'has moved away from the gasket 26.

'I'lhis results'in an inr'ush of .airtowardthe perforation 35 in theform of a thin Sheet beneath the gasket 26 and between 'thesame and thehea 34 of the can,'this iii-rushing drawing of any milk on the can aboutthefilm of air sweeping before it all accumu lations of milk lodged onthe surface of the head of the can within the area circum-' scribed bythe gasket 26, and preventing any outward spread of this accumulation01'' '35 all the milk which fin s lodgment on. top

of the can about the perforation 35, so that when the air pump is shutofi from the pipes 62 and atmospheric pressure is'ag'ain restored withinthe can, thetop of the can is free from any milk about the perforation35, and this milk heretofore wasted is not only saved, but the can is incondition to have the perforations 35, .36 stopped with solder in theusual manner without the necessity of a preliminary cleaning to removedeposits of milk thereon. As soon as the treadle has been againdepressed, the tray of cans now filled with milk may. be removed andanother tray full of empty cans may be placed upon t-hecarrier ready fora repetition of the operation just described. 95

Should the operator be too precipitate in the lowerin of the carrier,the in-rush of air designe to carry the last trace of milk into the canthrough the perforation 35 may I. proveat times to be of too shortduration '100 for the purpose. To avoid such contingencies there isprovided on the carrier an indicator- 85' and a companion index mark 86on one .of the legs 1,-the indicator'and index markin being in positionto be readily visi- 105 ble to t e operator, and so positioned that whenthe indicator 85 is brought into coincidence with the index marking 86,in the downward movementof the carrier, the gasket- 26 will haveseparated from the head 34 of the respective can, while the gasket 27still in -o erative' engagement therewith. By a sliglit pause of theparts in this position, ample time is. given for the inperforation 35,and then the operator -con-- tinues the downward movement of the carrierto the final position. g V I While the converging walls-of the interiorof'the neck ,15 will g'ulde the corresponding 11 valve 751; to its seat18,- said valve may be positively l;-a spider 87 made fast to thejvalve3 so as to slide but always remain in the; interior cylindrical portionof the neck' l.'

It will be observed that the exhausting gasket is annular-so that it isimmaterial how the cans are placed in the tray carryin them, since theexhaust. perforation 36 wi always be covered bythe gasket 27, and the 1adapted for introducing liquids into cans.

and effects a great-saving in both 'labor and material because the onlySubsequent opera= tion is the sealing of two small perforations in thetop of the can, this being" done with great facility by a skilledoperator with the; expenditure of far less solder than-is neces, saryfor the sealing of a can by means ofa cap of considerable area on thehead of the can, and, furthermore, a very material saving is broughtabout by avoiding the waste of material as has heretofore been the casein the attempt-to fillcans through a small perforation, and the laborincident to cleaning the Waste material from the top of the can beforethe soldering of. the perforation.

If itbe desirable to utilize the machine for filling smaller cans thanthose for which the machine is initially adapted, this may 7 be readilyaccomplished by using measuring cups of smaller capacity, orthe capacityof the cups may be reduced without the neces' sityof replacing thosealready on the machine. The degree-0f sub-atmospheric pressure whichmaybe produced within the cans will depend upon .the capability of thecans to Withstand the excess of external atmosphere pressure-and theinflow of liquid will be the more rapid the greater the differencebetween the external atmospheric pressure and the subatmosphericpressure within the can. Usually the degree of exhaustion of the air maybe-such as to cause the filling of the cans in the case of milk ino-nehalf (or'less) time than though gravity alone were utilized, theoperation of the machine being thereby accelerated with correspondi ngsaving-in time and labor.

.What is claimed is 1 p 1. In an apparatus for filling cans with,liquid, means for conducting the liquid to the can, means for causingwithin the can sub-atmospheric pressure to force the liquid into thecan, and means for causing the maintenance of sub-atmospheric pressurein the can subsequent tothe separation of the can and the firstnamedmeans.

2-. In an apparatus for filling cans 'with liquid through smallperforations in said cans comprismg means for producing subatmosphericpres'sure within the can to be filled, means for carrying asuitable'quantit of the liquid into the can through the fillingpe'rforation'therein, and means for causing the withdrawal from the canof theliquid conducting means rior to the re-.

' establishment of atmospheric pressure with- .in the can.

3. In an apparatus for fillingcans,aholder for a liquid to be introducedinto a can, said holder being provided with means engagemeansbeingadapted for the exhaustion of air fromthe can.

4. In an apparatus for filling cans, a

holder for liquid to be filled into a can, any

engaging means carried'by said holder for directingaliqu-id therefrom tothe can and anotherv engaging means carried by the holder and adaptedfor exhausting air from the can, said last named means being in yieldingrelation to the liquid container.

'70 I'elat101Tt0-S11Cl'1 can end, said last named -5. In an apparatusfor filling cans, a can engaging memberpr-ovided with air sealsonemovable relative to and adapted to remain in engagement with a canfor a longer time period than the other.

. 6. In an apparatus for filling canshaving a central perforation andanother perfora tion eccentric thereto, a conduit adapted to the centralperforation, and an annular con-. duit surrounding the first namedconduit and adapted to communicate with the ec;

centrically located perforation.

7. In an apparatus for fillingcansmaving each a central perforation andanother peroration eccentric thereto, a can engaging member having acentral conduit and another conduit concentric therewith, the con duitsbeing adapted to the respective central and ,eccentric perforations inthe can, the concentric conduit having a range of move ment withrelation to the centrally locatedconduit.

8. In an apparatus for filling cans, a liquid container provided at itsdischarge end with means for forming an air seal with a can, andothermeans for forming an air seal wlththe can, sa d last named airseal.

being adapted to engage the can prior to the engagement with the can ofthe first named air sealing means and to maintain engagement with thecan after the first named air sealing means has left the can.

9. In an apparatus for filling cans with liquid, a measuring cup havingone end 'formed into a neck, means at the discharge end of the .neck forforming an airseal with a can," and another air sealing means carried byand movable along the neck.

10. In an apparatus for filling cans, a measuring cup provided at thedischarge end with a neck, a gasket carriedby the discharge end of theneck'and adapted to enga e a can in air tight relation thereto, an annuar gasket surrounding the first named gasket and adapted to engagea,.can in air sealing relation thereto, and a carrier for the last namedgasket" movable longitudi nally of the neck. v

11. In an apparatus. for/filling cans, a

' for establishing air tight relation to a can measuring cup provided atthe discharge end with a neck, a gasket carried by the discharge end ofthe neck and adapted to engage a can in air tight relation thereto, an'annular gasket surrounding the first named provided with means forestablishing air tight relation to a can, another conduit carried by thehead and provided with means said second named conduit having a rangeof'movement with'relation to the first named conduit, and means foradmitting air between the can and the first named conduit while thesecond named conduit is in air tight relation to the can.

13. In an apparatus for filling cans, a filler head provided with acentral gasket constituting a means for establishing an tight relationto the can to be filled, and a movable member carrying an annulargasketsurrounding the first named gasket and constituting means forestablishing air tight relation with the can to be filled, the secondnamed. gasket normally projecting to a greater extent than the. firstnamed gasket and yieldably. constrained to such position. 14; In anapparatus for filling cans, a

filler head provided with a central gasket constituting a means forestablishing air tight relation to the' can to be filled, and a movablemember carrying an annular gasket surrounding the first named gasket andconstituting means for establishing air tight re lation with the can tobe filled, the second named gasket normally projecting to a greaterextent than the first named gasket and yieldably constrained to suchposition, the filler head being also provided with means. for theadmission of air to the space between the two gaskets.

15. In an apparatus for filling cans, a

r measuring cup provided at its discharge end "with an elongated neck, agasket at the discharge end of the neck for establishing airtightrelation with the can to be filled, a collar mounted on the neckand having a limited movement axially thereof, said collar be- .ingprovided with-a radial flange, an annular gasket carried by thecollar'in concentric relation to the first named gasket, said nnnw,

lar gasket being. provided with an annular channel and adapted to makeair tight connectionwith the can to be filled,..the two gaskets-beingspaced apart, the space between the gaskets "being open to theatmossphere through the fiahge, and theoute r gasgreater extent than thefirst named gasket, and a spring surrounding the neck and tending tomaintain the flanged collar with the gasket carried thereby beyond thedischarge end of the neck. 4

16. In an apparatus for filling cans, a

measuring cup provided atits discharge end" with an elongated neck, agasket at the discharge end of the neck for establishing air tightrelation with the can to be filled, a collar mounted on the neck andhavinga limited movement axially thereof, said collar being providedwith a radial flange, an annular gasket carried by the collar inconcentric relation to the first named gasket, said annu-- lar gasketbeing provided with an annular channel and adapted to make air tightconnection with the can to be filled, the two gaskets being spacedapart, the space between the gaskets being open to the at mospherethrough the flange and the outer gasket having its engaging endprojecting to a greater extent than the fir tnamed gasket, a springsurrounding the neck and tending to maintain the flanged collar with thegasket carried thereby beyond the discharge end of the neck, and meansfor clos' ing the discharge end of the cup interior to the first namedgasket.

17. In a machine forfilling cans with liquid, a measuring cup, ataperedbottom terminating in an elongated neck formed at one end with avalve seat, a gasket carried by the outer end of the neck beyond the.valve, a flanged collar carried by the neck, a

ring shaped gasket provided with an annular channel and carried by theflange of the neck in concentric relation to the first named gasket, aconduit communicating with the 1 channel in the second gasket for.permitting the exhaustion of air therethrough, and a spring on the necktending to maintain the collar with the gasket carried-thereby to wardthe discharge end of the-neck,

18. In a machine for filling cans with liquid, a measuring cup havingthe, dis-' charge end contracted and fformedin'to; an elongated neckwit-h a valve seat adjacent to the discharge end thereof, a gasket atthe discharge end of the neck adapted to-form an air tight connectionwith the can to be,

filled, a collar carried by the neck and having a limited longitudinalmovement thereon, said collar being provided with a radial flange Withpassages therethrough adjacent the neck, a ring-shaped gasket carried bythe flange in concentric V relation to the first named gasket andprovided with an annular channel, a conduit leading to the interior ofthe channel in the second gasket, a spring on the neck tending tomaintain the collar with the parts carried thereby towardthe dischargeend of. the neck, and avalve adapted to the valve seat in the neck.

ikethaving its engaging end projecting to a 19. in a machine for fillingcans, a measuring'cup having one end contracted into an ,elongated neckhaving a shoulder at one end and a flange at the other, and a dischargeopening with anipple, continued therefrom, a gasket carried by thenipple, a

flange exterior to the cylindrical flange and provided with acircularchannel, said gasket in normal position projecting to a greaterextent beyond the discharge end of the neck than the first named gasket,an air duct leading to the channel in the second gasket, and a spring onthe neck between the collar and the shoulder of said neck and tendingnormally to maintain the collar against the flange at the end or" theneck. o I

20. In a machine for filling cans, a measuring cup having one endcontracted into an r elongatedneck having a shoulder at one end.

, and a flange at the other, and a-discharge opening with a nipplecontinued therefrom, a. gasket carried by the nipple, a collar on theneck between the shoulder and. flange and capable of moving along saidneck, said.

collar beingjprovided at one end with a radial flange having acylindrical flange projecting therefrom and perforated be'- tween theneck and the cylindrical flange, an annular gasket carriedby'theradialflange exterior to the cylindrical flange and pro- .vided' with acircular channel, said gasket in normal position projecting to a greaterextent beyond the discharge end of the neck.- than the first namedgasket, an air duct leading to the channel in the second gasket,

a'spring on the neck between the collar and theshoulder on said neck andtending-normallyto maintain the collar against the flange at the end ofthe'neck, and a valve {in the neck near the discharge end thereof.

'21. In a ma-chine for filling cans, a measuring cup-having one endcontracted into an elongated neck having a shoulder at one end and aflange at the other, and a discharge a opening with a nipple continuedtherefrom,

a-gasket carried by the nipple, 'a collar on the neck between theshoulder and flange and capable of moving along said neck) said collarbeing provided. at one with a fradial flange having a cylindrical flangeprojecting therefrom and perforated betweejmthe neck and the cylindricalflange, an aii-nular gasket carried by the radial flange exterior to thecylindrical flange and provided with a circular channel, said gasket innormal position projecting to a.

greater extent beyond the discharge end of the neck than the first namedgasket, an air esa-res duct leading to the channel in the second gasket,a spring on the neck between the collar and the shoulder of said neckand tending normally to maintain the collar againstthe flange at theendof the neck,'and a valve in the neck near the discharge end thereof,said neck having its interior contracted to form a'seat for the valve.

22. In an apparatus for filling cans with liquid, each provided with aninlet opening for-the liquid and an outlet opening for the air, a seriesof measuring cups for the liquid, means at the discharge end of eachcupfor forming an air tight seal about the inlet to the can and an airtight sealabout the out let of the can, the second'named seal havingarange of movement and timed in movement to engage the can before thefirst named seal and to remain in engagement with the can after thesecond named seal is separated therefrom, a valve for each cup, an airexhaust conduit communicating with the air sealing means for the airoutlet of the can, a carrier for/the cans movable to bring the cans ntoand out of operative relation with'- the airseals, and operating meansfor the valves controlled by the carrier and timed in movement to openthe .,Valves each comprising a valve stem,with a i valve at one end,said valve stem extendingbeyond the filling ends of'the cups, a seriesof levers engaging the valves to move them to thevopen position againstthe action of gravity, a carrier for cans for conveying the latter intoand out of operative relation-to the discharge ends of the cups, and abar common to a series of levers controljng the cup valves and connectedto the carrier for movement therewith.

24. In an apparatus for filling cans with liquid, a series of measuringcups, gravity valves each comprising a valve stem with avalve at oneend, said valve stem extending beyond the filling ends of the cups, aseries oflevers engaging the valves to move them to the open positionagainst the'action of gravity, a carrier for the cans for conveying thelatter into'and out of operative relation to the discharge ends of thecups, and a bar common to a series of levers controlling the cup valvesand connected to the carrier for movement therewith, the operating barfor the levers engaging the latter during the terminal movement of thecarrier tbward active relatidn tdthe cups.

Q 25; -In a mach'ne for filling cans, containersfor the material to beplaced in the cans, asupport for the containers, a carrier for cansmovable in said support, thesupport having corner members of anglematerial connecting members extending to separated points on thecarrier.

26; In an apparatus for'filling cans each provided with a liquid inletand an air outlet perforation, a series of pendently arranged measuringcups, a trough carrying the cups and into which the upper ends of thecups extend above the floor of the trough, a reservoir for the liquid indepressed relation. to ,the floor of the trough, a displacement membermovable into said reservoir, filler heads, one for the discharge endofeach cup and provided with separated air seals one connected to theinterior of the cup, means for the exhaustion of air through the otherseal, the sealing means forthe exhaust side of the 'filler head having arange of movement holding it in engagement with the can in overlappingtimed relation to the engagement of the filling side of the filler, avalve for each cup, a carrier forthe cans to be filled having a normaltendency toward the filler heads, operating means. for the valvescontrolled by the carrier, 0 crating" means for the displacement mem eralso controlled by the. carrier, and operating means for the carrierunder the control of an operator for'moving the carrier in opposition toits normal tendency.

27. Inan apparatus for filling cans each provided with a liquid inletand an air outlet perforation, a series of pendent-1y arranged measuringcups, a trough ,carrying the cups and into which the upper ends of thecups extend above the floor'of the trough," a reservoir for the liquidin depressed relation to the floor of the trough, 'a displace- 'mentmember movable into said reservoir, filler heads, one for the dischargeend of each cup and providedwith separated air seals one connected tothe interior of the cup, means for the exhaustion of air through theother seal, the sealing means for the exhaust side of the filler head.havinga range of movement holding it in engagement with thecan inoverlapping timed relation to the engagement of/the filling side of thefiller, a valve for each 'cup, a carrier for the cans to be filledhaving anormal tendency toward the valve heads, operating means for thevalves controlled by the carrier, operating means for the displacement-membe-r also controlled by the carrier, operating means for thecarr1er-under the control of an op- I erator for moving the, carrier inopposition to its normal tendency, and ELH-llldlCfltOI' for showing theposition'of the carrier where the air seal about the inlet opening ofthe can has broken, while the air-seal on the exhaust side of the canisstill maintained.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing. as

my own, Ihave'hereto aflixed my signature in the presence of twowitnesses.

WALTER: J. PHELPS.

Witnesses:

JoHN H. SIGGERS,

LEWIS EBERLY.

